Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. Let's get this chapter started, shall we?
Chapter 4: Viridian Forest and the Samurai's Challenge
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
We find Ash and Misty in the Viridian Forest, searching for new Pokemon to join their team. While Ash was actively looking, Misty appeared nervous and frequently scanned the area.
"You, okay, Misty, you seem nervous?" Ash asked Misty as Misty jumped upon hearing this. "Is there something that I need to know?"
"I'm not great with bug types, especially ones like Beedrill. I had a bad experience with them growing up." Misty said to Ash, who sighed and nodded.
"Part of being a trainer would mean catching a bug type at some point, Misty, and what if one does want to join my team or yours as well? What are you going to do about it?" Ash asked Misty, who sighed as Ash had a point.
"If someone wants to join the team, I won't say no because it wouldn't be fair. I should have expected this." Misty said as she noticed something was watching the group. "Huh? We know that you are watching us come on out," Misty said to whoever was out there as a Caterpie came out and was interested in Misty. "Ah, aren't you a cutie!" Misty said to the young Bug Pokemon, who had smiley eyes.
"Thank you. Given what I heard, I hope I am what you like. I do want a trainer of my own one day," the Caterpie told Misty it was a female one. Misty noticed and nodded as she petted the Caterpie's head and nuzzled her hand as her tail wagged. Ash chuckled, seeing this.
"I'll be happy to have you join the team, given that I do like your evolutionary line and find your final stage is cute," Misty said as Caterpie coed upon this. Misty pulled out a Pokeball and caught it, and sighed. "If only captures would be that easy," Misty said to Ash and Flare, who chuckled at this.
"Not all captures are going to be that easy, Misty, and given that Caterpie is known to be the easiest to capture, I guess she wanted to prove that she was an easy Pokemon," Ash said to Misty, who nodded and let out the Caterpie who was on her shoulder.
Both of them walked through the Forest. Despite what Nurse Joy had said, Ash felt like they had been traveling for a while.
"At some point, we will have to set up camp. Why don't we let out our Pokemon so they don't have to be in their balls constantly, Misty?" Ash suggested to Misty, who nodded.
"Good idea, Ash. It's been a while since I let out Squirtle and Buizel since we started the Journey, and I did agree to let both have some time to themselves in between battles," Misty said to Ash, who nodded. "That and we might have to take some breaks anyway, as I don't know what else is out there, and this forest is known for many bug Pokemon other than Caterpie," Misty said.
"That and maybe to have food as well; we Pokemon do need to eat at some point, you two," Flare said to Ash and Misty, who nodded as they knew they weren't the only ones important in the group.
Ash and Misty were setting up camp, which they were about what they thought was the halfway mark of the Forest as it was mid-afternoon anyway, so they could set up and rest for the rest of the day until morning. Ash and Misty let their Pokemon out of their Pokeballs. WellWell, Ash let out Spearow, and Misty let out Squirtle, Tempest, and Buizel from their balls.
"Alright, everyone, we're taking a break, and we'll try to get food ready so you all can eat, as we are going to be here in the forest for a while," Ash said to the Pokemon, who nodded as some were either resting or helping as Buizel was curious about Ash and who he was as Squirtle and Flare were getting to know each other.
"So, Misty, who's the boy? I've been on the team for only a week, and I see we have someone traveling with us?" Buizel asked Misty, not knowing she could understand Buizel, which Misty noticed.
"Ash is traveling with us; he owns the Charmander and Spearow over there and is someone we helped on day one of our Journey. You can ask Squirtle or Flare about it?" Misty told Buizel, who turned its head, wondering what had happened during that first day since Misty started.
"By the way, Buizel, they can understand us, so you don't have to be a bit harsh on asking them about stuff," Flare said to Buizel, who was surprised by this and turned to Misty, wondering if what she heard was true as Misty pointed to a device on her ear to prove that it's true as Buizel smiled nodded in understanding.
Misty was planning to ask Buizel what she wanted in return for giving her a chance as a trainer later on, maybe after everyone had settled down and eaten. Ash struggled to prepare dinner, but thankfully, pre-made Pokemon food was available for them. Surprisingly, Ash did a decent job with the dinner, even though it was edible.
"I have to say, Ash, you did much better than I could for cooking. I rarely cook anything other than sandwiches. Did your mom teach you?" Misty asked Ash, who sighed.
"I appreciate that compliment. Misty and I tried to do what we could, but unless we plan on eating out constantly, we will have to make do with what we can food-wise; we have enough until we reach Pewter City. That's if we don't get lost, that is?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Do you happen to know the gym leader in Pewter City? With your family's history as a gym leader, I imagine you would know a few. No offense, Misty." Ash asked Misty, who nodded.
"I know a few gym leaders in Kanto and a friend in Johto who is in a similar situation with her sisters. But I can give you some information about Brock. Misty told Ash. "Brock recently inherited the gym from his father. His father had left the family to become a trainer, but unfortunately, he could not succeed in his career and never returned. The worst part of this situation is that Flint, Brock's father, left behind a wife and seven children, including Brock." Misty told Ash, who felt terrible for Brock, as did most of the Pokemon who heard this.
"That sounds tough. Many trainers, including gym leaders, seem to relate to feeling pressured by others' expectations. However, I understand that Brock had no other option since his family is very important to him." Ash said to Misty, who sighed.
"Brock wanted to go on his own from the last time I talked to him before I came to Pallet Town to start my Journey. He wants to be a breeder but can't cause he leaves his mother and siblings alone. While he looks tough, he's a nice guy who wants to give his challengers a good battle minus being a rock-type specialist," Misty said to Ash, who looked at Flare and Spearow. "I know what you are thinking, Ash, and I think that you should be able to do well depending on your team's moves, but you need to have faith, and if need be, I can allow you to use some of mine if you want?"
"Is that even legal?" Ash asked Misty, who nodded.
"If someone agrees to it, they can use their companions' Pokémon during their travels as long as they return them to their respective trainers. This practice is not against the rules, but Ash, you might want to consider catching more Pokémon soon. The rules will soon make it more difficult for you to continue with only a few Pokémon." Misty explained to Ash, who was curious about what she meant. "You'll see when I start my gym battle when we get there, but let's just say you're going to need a few additional Pokemon, that's all," Misty said to Ash.
"Well, then, tomorrow we can find more Pokemon and train up a bit," Ash said to Misty, who nodded in agreement, making the Pokemon happy. "Well, we better hit the hay soon enough; tomorrow, we got more to explore and find as we still have a few days left in this forest," Ash said to Misty as the others were already getting tired anyway.
Ash and Misty slept in a different spot of the tent that Ash made as his mother helped pack something that would help him out on his journey for this type of thing as the night continued to fall.
"I wonder what type of Pokemon I should capture. Yes, while Flare knows Dig and a few non-fire type moves, we need to figure out a strategy and some battle style just in case," Ash thought while he was still awake as he couldn't sleep. Ash was getting ready to sleep when he noticed someone watching him outside the tent. The creature didn't resemble any Pokemon he had seen recently, and it looked more like a canine. Ash was about to get up to investigate, but the creature disappeared. Ash walked out of the tent entrance and saw his Pokemon sleeping. He sighed in relief and went back to bed.
"You noticed it as well, Ash," Flare said to Ash, who was up and nodded. "I had a feeling that someone has been following us; since we helped the Spearow/Pidgey Flock, it seems someone is interested in you?" Flare said to Ash, who nodded.
"Keep an eye out the next time we feel like someone is following us cause it might be someone who might want to join the team. We should head to bed and try to figure it out later," Ash suggested, his starter, who nodded as Ash went back to sleep. This time, he managed to sleep.
The next day comes, and as Ash and Misty are getting things put down with the camp and all that, Misty notices something is up with Ash. "You okay, Ash? You seem distant?" Misty asked Ash, who nodded.
"Not distrait, more like aware someone was spying on me last night," Ash said to Misty, who was surprised by this.
"Are you certain, Ash? I ask because I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary or sense any presence while we slept last night," Misty asked Ash, who sighed.
"It looked like a canine and was something I had never seen in the wild. According to Flare, it had been following us since we began our journey, before the whole thing with the flocks," Ash said to Misty, who nodded. "Well, we should get going, and we can try to find out who is following us later or during so," Ash said as everyone nodded.
Ash and Misty recalled all of their Pokemon except Flare, as per Ash's agreement with her. As they took off, Ash checked the moveset for Spearow, and Misty noticed. "Why didn't you ask Spearow when you were together yesterday?" Misty asked Ash, who shrugged.
"I guess I should've asked, and I noticed that he knows Steel Wing, which will come in handy for Brock, but we do need more captures," Ash said as He noticed a man standing in their way near the Forest. The man looked like a samurai or a shogun.
"Tell me which one of you two are from Pallet Town," the boy said as Ash nodded. "I challenge you to a battle. And what about you, miss?" he said to Misty, who shook her head.
"Just because I'm not from there doesn't mean I shouldn't join the battle. I have more experience than Ash." Misty said, feeling singled out cause Ash is from Pallet Town.
"Don't worry, I'll challenge both of you to see what you're capable of," the boy said as Misty was about to say something, only for Ash to stop her. "My name is Samurai. I have been challenging trainers from Pallet Town for years, and I recently found another one." Samurai said.
"Not worth it, Misty, and I accept your challenge, so how many Pokemon," Ash said to Samurai.
"Two Pokemon for both of you, so you ready to fight, or are you going to hide behind your male friend here, Misty," Samurai said as he was interested in battling Misty first, given her outburst earlier towards him.
"Fine by me," Misty said as she got into position for a trainer battle. Ash watched this battle alongside Flare, who was watching how this trainer battled and found flaws.
"Scizor, come on out," Samurai sent out his first Pokemon, which Misty looked up and saw was an evolution of the Pokemon Scyther.
"Since you use a Pokémon outside this region, I will do the same. Buizel, come out!" Misty sent out her Pokemon, ready to fight this battle as Samurai was impressed. "Alright, Aqua Jet, let's Buizel," Misty commanded her Pokemon.
"Aerial Ace and Metal Claw, let go, Scizor," Samurai commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed. Even though Scizor had more experience, Buizel kept up blow for blow in terms of speed from those attacks.
"Now Water Pulse Buizel," Misty commanded her, who blasted the Steel/Bug type mid-air before it could strike Buizel, sending it to the ground. Buizel growled at the Mantis Pokemon, and Scizor growled back.
"Not bad, lady. You are showing why you have more experience between the two of you. Are you sure that you are different from other trainers I've faced in the past," Samurai said to Misty, who smirked. "Now Swift and Hyper Beam," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who fired the two attacks at Buizel.
"Ice Beam and Water Pulse now, Buizel," Misty commanded her, who fired the two attacks. Both Pokemon were hit, knocking them out and surprising everyone. They were quickly returned to their Pokeballs.
"Well, I'll forfeit the battle, Misty, given that you are more capable of a battler than I am, and there's more to you than meets the eye. For your friend here," Samurai said to Misty, who glared at him.
"Look, you are going to quit the battle just cause you don't feel like battling Misty like that," Ash said as Flare stopped Ash, showing that it was not worth the hassle. Ash sighed as Misty walked over to Ash. As Ash prepared for battle, he noticed someone watching him from afar. However, it was a different Pokemon from the one he had seen last night.
"Pinsir, come on out," Samurai sent out his first of two Pokemon. Ash felt upset that he was up against a Pokemon that wasn't from the other regions, but sighed and pulled out his Pokeball.
"I'll save my starter for the last Spearow. Come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon, who was ready to fight and was aware of how Pinsir was.
"Ready whenever you are, Samurai," Ash said to Samurai, who was somewhat unimpressed that Ash has a regular Pokemon, but let it be.
"Time to show why you are the novice and I'm the best. Use Rock Tomb, Pinsir," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who tossed the rocks at Spearow.
"Double team and then Steel Wing," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged at the Pokemon, who was hit hard and sent back.
"Counter now," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who slammed its pincers into Spearow hard, only for him to survive, which Samurai was impressed with now. "Humph, I guess you aren't as weak as I thought you would be, just your trainer, now Gillitine," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at Spearow pincers, ready to end this.
"Ash, now," Flare said to Ash, who nodded and waited for it to get closer.
"Aerial Ace now before it strikes," Ash commanded as the attack slammed into the Pokemon hard, sending it to the ground and knocking it out as Spearow puffed his chest out.
"Don't call my trainer weak 'cause you will get it," Spearow told Samurai, who was unhappy that his Pokemon had lost to a mere Spearow.
"Ugh, you got lucky, but that won't get to my next Pokemon. Ariados, come on out," Samurai sent out his next Pokemon, which Ash got his wish that he would be up against a Pokemon like that, though Misty was almost about to hide because of the looks of the Pokemon.
"Spearow, you going to be okay fighting this Pokemon?" Ash asked Spearow if he was okay, but the bird shook his head, still tired from their previous battle. Ash nodded and returned him to his Pokeball before turning to Flare. "You ready, girl?" Ash asked his starter, who nodded and ran out to the battlefield. "Now, Dragons Dance," Ash commanded her, who used the move.
"Sludge Bomb now, Ariados, and then use Psychic," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who used its two moves towards Flare.
"Dig to dodge it," Ash commanded her, who jumped into the ground, barely dodging the two attacks. "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who jumped out of the ground underneath the Spider Pokemon and slammed her claw right into Ariados hard.
"Spider Web, stop her before she can get back in the ground," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who used its attack.
"End this with Flame Burst now, Charmander," Ash commanded Flare, who blasted a fire attack at Ariados. Although that wasn't Flame Burst, it was Flamethrower. Ash was surprised that it was that now, instead of the move she initially knew, Flare noticed as well, as it hit Ariados hard. "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded Flare, who slammed her claw right into Ariados, knocking it out.
Ash celebrated as Flare puffed her chest. Ash chuckled at this as Samurai sighed, knowing when he was beaten and returning his Pokemon to its ball.
"Alright, you beat me fair and square. Although you are not a novice, you are still a young trainer in your early stages. That's as far as I can tell," Samurai said to Ash as he sighed and nodded. "Also, someone has been watching this battle since the beginning right over there," Samurai pointed to the tree. Ash nodded and walked over to where Samurai pointed.
Ash arrived to see a Beedril. He watched the entire thing and was more interested in Ash than Misty. "Woah, a Beedril, I'm surprised you aren't going away or wanting to attack me?" Ash said to the Bee Pokemon, who shook its head.
"I have been interested in you since I saw your interaction with that boy there. You showed me that you are worth my time. I have no intention of causing any harm to you. I want a trainer of my own,"Beedril said to Ash, who nodded.
"I can understand you, so no worries. Anything you want before I catch you in return for you joining my team," Ash asked the Bee Pokemon. Surprised by hearing that Ash could understand him, he nodded.
"Good battles, friends, and just let me do what I want. I may be known for being dangerous, but I'm nice and would rather be friends than cause harm, and I know a lot of the forest areas, so you can get my help with other things. I'm laid back and love to relax outside of battle. I also play harmless pranks," Beedril said to Ash.
"You have a name, or you go by Beedril, or you want a nickname if you want one, that is?" Ash said to the Pokemon, who nodded.
"My name's Venom. Don't know why my parents picked it, maybe because of my pranks. But I don't mind the name," Venom said to Ash, who nodded as he pulled out a Pokeball.
"Welcome to the team, and if I'm not up to your standards, let me know, and I will let you go, no questions asked," Ash said to Venom, who nodded as Ash tapped him, and he was caught instantly.
Ash, Misty, and Samurai were on the road area outside the Forest. "If you continue down this path, you will reach Pewter City within two days. Good luck on your journey!" Samurai said to Ash and Misty.
"What will you do now that there won't be any more trainers from Pallet Town?" Ash said to Samurai, who shrugged and pulled out a case with badges.
"I do plan on going to the league at some point, but it won't be for another year as the league is going on right now, and as you can see, I have almost all of them on me, just waiting on Viridian City to re-open its gym," Samurai said to Ash and Misty who nodded. "By then, you'll be past the beginner level and in a better position as a trainer close to Misty. Then again, I wouldn't put it past a gym leader, let alone someone related to Red," Samurai said to Ash and Misty, who were surprised by hearing this.
"How?" Ash and Misty said to Samurai, who shook his head.
"I heard stories that a gym leader and a relative of the Katchem family were coming this way, and the way you two were battling showed that. Don't worry; I won't pry nor question it, but I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and your Journey," Samurai said, holding out two hands for both Ash and Misty, who accepted it and shook it.
Ash and Misty said their goodbyes and set off towards Pewter City, the first destination of their Pokemon trainer journey. Ash couldn't shake off the memory of the previous night and was curious to know who had been following him since he embarked on his adventure.
Unbeknownst to Ash and Misty, two figures were invisibly watching them from the air. The duo's battle skills and kindness towards their Pokémon impressed the observers.
With a few new friends on Ash and Misty's team and beating the Samurai, Ash and Misty's spirits are now high. What else is in store for our heroes as Pewter City awaits our heroes?
Stay tuned.
Done and done, man. This chapter was difficult to write but mainly cause of how things were going to be added in the chapter. You noticed that I changed things for both Ash and Misty. Well, that's part of the story's idea, as for the mysterious figures. One will be shown soon enough; the other two are part of my poll here and will be shown soon but will be used much later in the story, for fairness' sake. I'm still taking requests. Please note that I am not concerned about their usefulness in battles as long as the Pokemon are from the Kanto-Sinnoh regions. This is all I wanted to discuss with you. Please review it as well. We will return to Unova for the next chapter and then back here for the first gym battle. Depending on the length of the chapter, we will see either Misty's battle or both battles. See you next time.